GPs, peers and referrers are on LinkedIn. Do they know what you do?
LinkedIn is where referrers notice consultants. Here is a simple routine that takes an hour a month.
Is this you? Tap any that are true.
Most people reading this tick at least one.
It only takes one to cost you.
- steps
- 7
- steps
- to start
- 1 hour
- to start
- scorecard
- Free
- scorecard
The short answer
You do not need to be a content creator. A clear profile and two useful posts a month, written for GPs and colleagues rather than patients, is enough to keep you in mind when a referral decision is made. Stay inside the GMC social media guidance and it carries very little risk.
What good looks like
Your profile, before and after
Mr Sam Patel, Consultant Orthopaedic surgery
- Improved: Clear headline · recent photo · website link
- Improved: Useful posts twice a month · GPs engaging
Illustrative sample, not a real person or result.
7 steps
Do it yourself: step by step
0 of 7 done
Headline: "Consultant [Specialty] at [Hospital] and [NHS Trust]. [Two conditions you treat]." About: three short paragraphs on who you see, how to refer and where you practise, with your website link.
- Time
- 1 hour
- Typical cost
- Free
- Who does it
- You
Done when: A GP reading only your headline would know what to refer to you
Use it now · Step 1
Write your LinkedIn headline
The line under your name that tells people what you do.
Style
Your message
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon helping runners and active adults get back to the sport they love | Cambridge
LinkedIn headlines can be up to 220 characters. Shorter is clearer.
Want a LinkedIn plan you can keep up?
I'll set up your profile and plan your posts for the next three months.
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Copy this template
LinkedIn profile and post kit for consultants
Free to copy, adapt and use. No sign-up.
Headline
Consultant [Specialty] | [Hospital], [NHS Trust] | [Condition 1] and [Condition 2]
About section
I am a consultant [specialty] at [NHS Trust], and I see private patients at [Hospital 1] and [Hospital 2].
Most of my private work is [condition 1], [condition 2] and [procedure]. I see adults [and/or children] referred by GPs, physiotherapists and colleagues.
To refer: write to [email] or call [secretary name] on [phone]. I can usually see new patients within [x] days. I am recognised by [insurers] and also see self-pay patients.
GMC number: [number]. Website: [url]
Post template 1: when to refer
A question I get from GPs: when should [symptom] be referred?
My rule of thumb: [clear threshold].
Below that, [first-line management] is usually enough for [time period].
Above it, or if [red flag], I would like to see them.
Happy to take questions in the comments.
Post template 2: what happens after referral
What happens when you refer a patient with [condition] to me privately:
- [First appointment and tests]
- [Decision point]
- [Treatment and typical recovery]
- [What the GP receives and when]
Post template 3: one change in practice
[New guideline, technique or evidence] has changed how I manage [condition].
What it means for primary care: [one practical point].
No patient details. [Declare any interest if relevant.]
Pre-post check
- No patient could be identified, even by someone who knows them
- Every claim is accurate and I could support it
- Any commercial interest is declared
- I would be comfortable if my Responsible Officer read it
Avoid these
Common mistakes
- A headline that only says "Consultant at [Trust]", which tells a GP nothing about what to refer.
- Writing for patients, when the people who refer and read LinkedIn are clinicians.
- Posting a run of five posts in a week, then nothing for six months.
- Case stories with enough detail that a colleague or relative could recognise the patient.
- Sharing a device or company post without declaring a relationship with that company.
Free personal check
Done by Paul Robinson, not software
I'll look at your LinkedIn profile as a GP would and show you what to change first
What I need from you
- Your LinkedIn profile link
- Your specialty and town
What you get
- What a GP sees in the first ten seconds
- The three changes that matter most
- Three post topics to start with
Within 2 working days
No sign-in, no sales call. I read every request myself and reply on WhatsApp.
Free tools
Check where you stand
Paul Robinson
14 years in UK private healthcare
I solve this one for consultants
Want a hand? I'll look at your situation and tell you the three things I'd tackle first.
A few quick questions, about two minutes. I read every one myself and usually reply the same day.
No sales call unless you ask for one. Just a straight answer from me.
I reply personally, usually the same day.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do GPs really use LinkedIn?
Some do, many do not. The value is as much with colleagues, physios and hospital teams who make or influence referrals. Treat it as one channel, not the main one.
Can I talk about cases?
Only if no patient could be identified, even by someone who knows them. The GMC guidance on social media is clear that confidentiality applies online as it does in clinic. Composite or generalised examples are safer.
Should I connect with patients?
It is usually better not to. The GMC says social media can blur social and professional boundaries. Point patients to your website instead.
How long should a post be?
150 to 250 words is plenty. One point, explained well, beats a long article.
Do I need to declare interests?
Yes, if you have a relationship with a company, device or service you mention. The GMC's social media guidance says you must be open and honest about any interests that may influence what you post.
Last reviewed:
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